The Key to Fruitful Living
by Dr. Paul Chappell
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 15:15-16
Though we receive immediate and eternal benefits from salvation, God's grace extended to us in offering that gift is not for our benefit alone. He also chose us and saved us so that we would share what we have received from Him with those around us. The production of fruit in our lives is a direct result of our relationship with God. Dr. A. T. Pierson wrote, “A 'fruitful bough whose branches run over the wall' grows from a strong, well-rooted, vigorous, and healthy stock on the other side. The foremost disciples in spiritual life are the foremost in unselfish, persistent, untiring work for souls.”
There are many very helpful tools and tips which we can use to do a better job in sharing our faith with others. But the most important part of being fruitful is being closely connected to the Lord. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4). All the programs in the world are no substitute for abiding in Christ. No amount of training or tactics can take the place of our personal walk with God. It is not our skill or ability, but the power of the Holy Spirit, built on prayer and Bible reading and fellowship with Him, that makes us fruitful. And that is His purpose for us remaining here on Earth.
Today's Growth Principle:
The closer our relationship to Jesus is, the more effective our telling others about Him will be.
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